City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Tour
Edinburgh, Edinburgh and LothianAbout City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Tour
Are you looking for an unforgettable family day out in Edinburgh? Look no further than the City Sightseeing Edinburgh hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This iconic tour is perfect for exploring Scotland's vibrant capital city with your little adventurers. Packed with fun, educational, and awe-inspiring stops, it offers a seamless experience of Edinburgh's rich history and culture.
Things To Do at City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop on Hop off Tour
A City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Edinburgh Tour will take you on an adventure spanning 14 popular stops with plenty of iconic attractions! From the dizzy heights of Arthur's Seat and the narrow wynds of the Old Town to the glorious buildings at Canongate and Royal Attractions. There are tons to see and do, so grab your sightseeing bus tickets now!
Start your adventure at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Perched on Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning views of the city. Kids will love exploring the ancient walls, seeing the crown jewels, and learning about the castle's dramatic history. Don't miss the One O'Clock Gun, which fires every day except Sunday. You'll also find the country's oldest crown jewels and the fantastically titled Stone of Destiny. It's a powerful symbol of Scottish Monarchy, so you'll have to see any ancient power rub off on you!
Hop off at the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most famous street. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this bustling thoroughfare is filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, pick up a souvenir, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Shopping enthusiasts will also love the historic marketplace, which is full of unique finds and beautiful souvenirs.
At the end of the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the grand rooms and beautiful gardens, and learn about the palace’s fascinating history. Family-friendly tours are available, and kids will love the stories of past kings and queens. And, if you are feeling brave, why not hop off near Edinburgh Dungeons for an interactive insight into Edinburgh's gruesome past?
For an educational and interactive experience, hop off at Dynamic Earth. This state-of-the-art attraction takes visitors on a journey through time, from the Big Bang to the present day. With hands-on exhibits, a 4D experience, and a realistic rainforest, it’s an adventure that will captivate children and adults alike.
Next on the tour is the National Museum of Scotland. This museum is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits, ranging from dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian artefacts. The interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities make it a must-visit for families.
A hike up Arthur's Seat is a must for families who love the great outdoors. This ancient volcano offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. The paths are well-marked and suitable for all ages. Plus, did you hear there's a prehistoric, and luckily for the locals, extinct volcano? Don't forget to hop off to see the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh!
The tour also stops at the Scottish Parliament, where you can learn about Scotland’s political system. Guided tours are available, and the modern architecture of the building is impressive.
Edinburgh city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning turn any corner and you’ll discover something fascinating. During the summer, the city is filled with the sounds of the Fringe festival, while winter brings the sweet smells of Christmas markets. On an average day, wind your way along the Royal Mile or hear all about Edinburgh’s gruesome past with audio commentary from Terry Deary - author of kids’ classic Horrible Histories.
We definitely recommend the award-winning 'Horrible Stories' commentary for kids - after all, it's award-winning!
What Makes City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Ideal for Families?
The City Sightseeing Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour is tailor-made for families. Here are a few reasons why:
Flexibility and Convenience: With multiple routes and frequent buses, you can tailor the tour to fit your family's schedule - so you have plenty of time to see all the beautiful city's sights. If the kids are getting restless, simply hop off at the next stop and explore. When you're ready to move on, hop back on and continue your adventure.
Educational and Entertaining: The tour includes a multi-lingual audio guide that provides fascinating facts and stories about Edinburgh’s history and landmarks. There’s also a special “Horrible Histories” audio guide for kids, making learning history fun and engaging.
Comfortable Travel: The double-decker buses offer a comfortable way to travel around the city. Sit on the open-top deck for the best views and fresh air, or stay inside if the weather isn’t perfect.
Family-Friendly Popular Attractions: The tour stops at a range of attractions that are perfect for families, from historic castles to interactive museums and beautiful parks.
Why We Think A City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop on Hop off Tour is a Must
The City Sightseeing Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour is the ultimate family adventure in Scotland’s capital. From historic castles to interactive museums and breathtaking views, you'll see a range of awe-inspiring attractions. This tour offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. So pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to explore Edinburgh like never before. It’s a day out that your family will cherish for years to come.
Experience the magic of Edinburgh with the City Sightseeing Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour—the perfect way to make memories with your loved ones.
- 14 bus stop tour of the city featuring iconic landmarks and historic buildings
- Visit Edinburgh Castle or Arthur’s Seat
- Horrible Histories audio tour with all the gross bits left in!
Looking for Easter events near you? Visit our Easter Events Page to discover top rated Easter Events!

Become a VIP Pass member to Unlock Exclusive Discounts at Top UK Attractions
Try Now - £1 for 30 DaysRenews at £4.99 monthly. Cancel anytime.
Pass Covers Entire Family
Loved by 300k Members
Discover Edinburgh's Iconic Sights!
From Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's seat to the famous Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse! On the City Sightseeing tour, you can expect the very best.
It's A Totally Flexible Day Out!
The best part of a bus tour, is it's totally flexible around you and your family's schedule! So, you don't need to rush to get to the bus stop or skip out on seeing attractions. You can explore at your own pace.
It's Rainy Day Approved!
Whether it's raining or not, you can still enjoy the historical, breathtaking and educational bus tour of the iconic city of Edinburgh!
Facilities
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
April - May Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
June - August Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 19:00
September - October Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
November - March Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-15) : Free
- Adult (16-18+) : £18.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Tour by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time more than 5 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
There are no drinks or food available on the bus tours. But you can buy food when you're out exploring Edinburgh.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Transport Information
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour will take you around Edinburgh as you explore the city.
You can get to Edinburgh via train to Edinburgh Waverley Station. There are also plenty of buses running through the city, including the X62, X95, 51 and 253. The closest tram station to the city centre is Edinburgh Park Central.
Verification & Last Updated
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Last Updated: 12:17 02/01/2025
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Tour Reviews
Recent blog posts

You’ll be able to step into the iconic world of Minecraft at Chessington World of Adventures soon & we’ve got ALL the info you NEED to know!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Gulliver’s World’s Land of Oz! Discover thrilling rides, magical experiences, and family fun in 2025!

TUI has launched family raves at its Holiday Villages, with live DJs, Ibiza-themed nights, and neon parties for families!

TUI has launched its first-ever Santa holidays to Finland’s Arctic Lakeland, offering cheaper, crowd-free Christmas magic for families!

Discover the best free trails across the UK! From Gruffalo hunts to Shaun the Sheep adventures, get your walking boots on!

Discover Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, home to the world’s tallest play park! Enjoy magical storytelling, and endless adventure.

Experience the thrill of driving real diggers, dumper trucks, and JCBs at Diggerland, the UK’s most unique family-friendly theme park!

Spend the night at the Natural History Museum with Dino Snores! Enjoy torch-lit trails, live shows, & a sleepover experience among dinosaurs.